Mahindra Homestays » Cochin

Popular Places in Cochin

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:00:35 +0000

Cochin, the busy and bustling commercial centre of Kerala, is the gateway to one of the most popular destinations of India.

Cochin’s international airport is a popular entry point for many travellers arriving in south India, offering easy access to the famous backwaters and onward travel to the beautiful southern beaches. It is recommended to include a few days in here exploring the sights and places in Cochin to understand the exciting blend of modern culture and traditional values of the region.

Here are some popular places in Cochin to visit or base yourself.

1. Ernakulum City
More popularly known as just Cochin, Ernakulum is the modern representation of the region. The main M.G Road is a chaotic busting place with malls and shopping arcades springing up in every corner. This also means, that is the place to shop for saris and other memorabilia. This is the business district of the area, a hub of activity with plenty going on from morning till night.

2. Fort Kochi
A ferry ride away from Ernakulum, the atmosphere is completely different in Fort Kochi. Cobble stoned streets are breezy and relaxed compared to the city. Visit Kashi Cafe, the Teapot Cafe or just dig into some sumptuous sea food in the local restaurants. Fort Kochi is walking and cycling paradise with low traffic and an easy pace. There are plenty of things to see here like the Chinese fishing nets, ancient churches, traditional dance forms or the nearby Muzuri Islands. Fort Kochi (or Fort Cochin) is one of the most popular places for visitors to base themselves.

3. Mattancherry
Mattancherry is about 9 km from Ernakulum by road but you can also get an easy ferry to the island. When you arrive you are instantly transported into the era of a bustling trade hub here. Some of the attractions for tourists are the Mattancherry palace, the last working synagogue, the palace Museum and the local markets where you can get spices and artefacts and more. There is never a dull moment here. Many travellers tend to stay in the Fort Kochi area a little longer to allow plenty of time to discover Mattancherry as well.

4. Thripunithura
A small town outside Kochi is known for its palaces, museums and temples. It was the earlier Kingdom of Kochi and the Hill Palace was the home of the Maharaja of Cochin, the ruler of Kingdom of Cochin. It is a great destination for the arts and makes for an interesting day trip.

5. The Bolgatty Island
The name Bolgatty now resonates with an upmarket hotel which is the point of attraction for many. It is here that the British established a Royal Residency, which has now taken shape into amenities like a golf course and horse riding tracks. The Bolgatty Palace can be visited as a day trip from Ernakulum.

6. Vypin Island
Experience the local way of fishing in the villages of Vypin Island. The island is has many small hamlets where fishing and agriculture are the main occupations. It is also the closest island to the Cherai beach, a popular tourist destination.

Beaches of India: Fort Kochi Beach

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:25:03 +0000

The southern state of Kerala is known for its extraordinary coastal delights and the Jewish influenced town of Fort Kochi provides a pleasant mix of beach fun and a quaint history to take a plunge into.

A short drive from the capital city of Cochin, Fort Kochi is accessible by road and ferry. The ferry of course is the more charming method to make your way to this little town. Venture into the market to pick up souvenirs or saunter by the fishing market before making your way to the beach.

Spend the day sipping fresh juices and catch up on a favourite book. The crisp silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets in a distance against the setting sun are a memory you will definitely want to capture.

There are many small stalls and restaurants which make use of freshly caught fish to create tasty traditional cuisine.

When to go
The best period to visit is in the months of October to March after the monsoon season. The town has some unique festivals like the Kochi Carnival, which is held in early January and involves costumed processions and masked dances. In February, temple festivals hold processions of up to 100 elephants.

How to get there
The nearest airport is 26km to the north of Ernakulam. There are two main railway stations, Ernakulam Junction near the centre, and Ernakulam Town, 2km further north. A ferry service connects Ernakulam, Vypeen Island, Willingdon Island and Fort Cochin.

Other sights of interest
Fort Cochin is the hub Cochin’s colonial past. With old Portuguese churches and mansions to visit. Famous churches here include the St Francis’ Church where Vasco de Gama was buried. Browse the market stalls in town for a wide variety souvenirs.

Once in Kerala, you are bond to get sucked into the array of activities! Fort Kochi Beach will help you get a break from stimulating the senses – just relax and submerge yourself in the warm sea breeze.

If you would like to visit Cochin then check out our Cochin homestay collection or contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Things to do in Cochin

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:18:23 +0000

Cochin (also known as Kochi, it’s newer name), is a major city located in Kerala. Cochin is a combination of Ernakulam, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. The most popular tourist attractions lie in Fort Cochin. There are plenty of things to do in Cochin and we take a look at some of the things you won’t want to miss!

FESTIVALS
The town has some unique festivals like the Kochi Carnival, which is held in early January and involves costumed processions and masked dances. In February, temple festivals hold processions of up to 100 elephants. Seeing a festival is one of the most enchanting things to do in Cochin.

ANCIENT CHURCHES
In Fort Cochin, there are many old Portuguese churches. Amongst the most famous churches in Fort Cochin are the St Francis’ Church where Vasco de Gama was buried and the Santa Cruz Basillica. The Dutch cemetary is located close to the St Francis’ Church.

CHINESE FISHING NETS
Kerala’s iconic Chinese fishing nets are found in fort Cochin. They line the crowded beachside of the area. In the evening, a makeshift flea market of sorts appears and many visitors rate a visit to

JEW TOWN
In Jew Town you can find the beautiful and ancient The Paradesi Synagogue. It is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth Nations and was built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudan people. Its history is depicted through murals on its walls. And so, it serves not just as a place of worship but a preserver of their legacies as well.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
The best place to see Kathakali dance recital is at the Kerala Kathakalli Centre in Fort Cochin. Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest and hardest martial arts, can also be seen here.

VASCO HOUSE
This was the residence of the legendary explorer, Vasco da Gama. It was built in the early 16th century and is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Cochin.

THE BISHOP’S HOUSE
Built in 1506, this complex served as the home of the then Portuguese Governor. The architecture is gothic in style with large gothic arches covering the facade.

If you are interested in visiting yourself then our reservations team can help you plan your own itinerary of things to do in Cochin based on your interests. Get in touch to find out more! Stay in a homestay in Cochin – browse our collection.

Liked this Things To Do Cochin article? We’ve got lots more – see our things to do India list.

Fort Cochin Homestay Offers Village Tours, Farm Tours And Island Tours

luke — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:13:34 +0000

Cochin homestay - village tours, farm tours

Kerala farm tours, plantation village tours and even tours of the fabulous Lakshadweep Islands that we featured recently are all easily bookable when you choose Kimansion, a new gold star homestay in Fort Cochin, Kerala.

This 150 year-old house is full of old world charm as well as high ceilings, king size rooms, wooden floors, tasteful décor and peaceful surroundings. Its roomy bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and helpful staff are available to ensure a comfortable stay.

But it’s the sheer amount of things to do from this attractive Cochin base that stick out.

Genial host Mr Llewellyn enjoys giving tourist information to its guests and will happily guide them round the historical city. Guests are able to go fishing for their own dinner and bring their catch back to the house for cooking. There’s a chance to visit the ancestral village home of the Llewellyns to see rubber, cocoa, vanilla, pineapple and nutmeg cultivation. Plus there’s the host’s farm house 40 kms away where you can see paddy fields and rubber latex processing.

This is all on top of the wonderful sights that Cochin and Kerala offer anyway.

Read some more about Kimansion. You can make your reservation easily online today.

Front page image: dhruvaraj

Kaloor Homestay: Beautiful Kochi Place To Stay

luke — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:27:43 +0000

Kaloor homestay

Kaloor in downtown Kochi, Kerala, is the location of one of the latest additions to the Mahindra Homestays accommodation network.

Two-bedroomed Thomas Inn is a great base for those that want to discover the city formerly known as Cochin, while it is also perfectly positioned for access to places like Munnar, Thekaddy, Alleppy and Kovalam.

Hosts Mrs and Mrs Thomas are warm and welcoming. Mr Thomas is an educationist working in local business schools. Mrs Thomas is a well-known social worker in the Kaloor area. She is also a wonderful chef and will show guests how to create traditional Syrian Christian dishes

So what’s the house like? It’s handsome property with a well kept garden that includes a mango tree. Guests have the first floor to themselves, with their own entrance. A balcony forms the ideal spot for relaxing with a book and surveying the surroundings.

This Kaloor accommodation offers the prospect of boat rides close by, as well as Ayurvedic massage, fishing and yoga – to name just a few.

Read more about Thomas Inn and, if you like what you see, make your reservation online now while we have availability at this new homestay.

Front page image: Wikimedia Commons

Wow! 5 Stunning New Homestays In Cochin, Munnar and Kottayam

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:36:03 +0000

Here are the latest exciting additions to the Mahindra Homestays network. Read about them below and make your booking through our main site.

Eden’s Garden

This is a homestay that lives up to its name. It’s 260 years-old, features a huge pond, a waterfall and a chorus of chirping birds. Lovingly maintained by the Cyprians, one of the oldest families in Fort Cochin, its guestbook is overflowing with rave reviews in countless languages. The homestay has three spacious guest rooms that are bathed in sunlight. Churches, mosques and temples are within walking distance.

Meenachil Enclave

This is a homestay in Kottayam for those who like to live in the lap of luxury. Sprawling over 20 acres of land, this opulent property has a large swimming pool, three aviaries, lavish interiors, gold-plated cutlery and a marble courtyard. The two spacious guest rooms are serene. Beautifully-designed en-suite bathrooms, small zen gardens and skylights. Tour the paddy fields and plantations.

Noah’s Ark

Jerry and Diana Kocherry are one of the warmest couples you will ever meet. Their beloved homestay mirrors their own personality – cheerful and warm. Jerry is retired captain from the merchant navy, and Diana used to be a teacher. Together they’ve sailed to all parts of the world. Their home has an intriguing, postmodern façade. The inside is drenched in sunlight and its three deluxe rooms are spacious. A charming roof garden is good for sunbathing. Easy access to all tourist destinations.

Orion

An enchanting homestay in the heart of Fort Cochin, run by a down-to-earth modern young Indian couple. The property is newly constructed but in a traditional Keralite architectural style. Four impeccable bedrooms, all with private balconies, look over the city. Lush green lawn, communal areas and efficient staff on hand to look after the needs of guests. Ayurvedic massages can be arranged.

Spice Garden

A charming homestay in Munnar made entirely from wood, with divine views of the majestic green mountains. Spice Garden was originally an award-winning pepper plantation, but five years ago owner George ventured into the hospitality industry and didn’t look back. He’s created a home for peace and inspiration; it’s no surprise that it attracts acclaimed writers and directors such as Bollywood’s Myshkin, who penned two of his latest works here. Surrounded by tea estates, flowering plants, spices and fruit trees.

To read more about these Cochin homestays and book now, visit our Cochin page.

8 Stunning New Homestays In India

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:47:31 +0000

We’ve got eight more beautiful India homestays to tell you about, all recently added to our network and available to book on our main site now.

Here they are:

New Munnar Homestays
Cedar Woods

Wow – what a view. That’s what you’ll get when you stay on this cardamom plantation in Munnar, with Jean Philips and his wife Anita. Cedar Woods is a comfortable home with large rooms, full-size windows and cozy beds. The popular travellers’ attraction Kallar Water Falls is nearby – it’s always worth exploring, especially during the monsoons.

Mushroom Valley

Johney Cheruthanniyil and his wife Binni are the gracious hosts of this attractive homestay in Anachal, 11 kms outside Munnar, Kerala. Johney runs a business in finance, Binni is a housewife who enjoys cooking traditional Kerala cuisine. The food prepared in the house is a mix of North Indian, South Indian, Western and traditional Kerala dishes. Staying with their three daughters, the family are ever ready to help their guests explore the scenic beauty, culture and history of Munnar.

Pavithram

This homestay is set in an idyllic hill station, 1800 metres above sea level. Hosts Rajesh and Maya believe that the opportunity to welcome travellers from across the world is an enriching experience for them as well as the guests. Trekking, plantation visits and cooking classes are all available.

New Thekkady Homestays
Koshys

Eco tourism practitioners, the Koshys are keen to spend time with guests and explain local culture and traditions. They keep a vegetable garden which brings organic food to the kitchen table, and the surroundings of this Kumily homestay are best described as serene. Periyar Tiger Reserve is nearby.

Chitrashala

At this homestay, also in Kumily, the family stays on the ground floor and guests have the first floor of the house. There are four double bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. Tribe visits, bamboo rafting and jungle safari can all be arranged from here.

New Kottayam Homestays
The Bungalow

Located 100 kms from Kochi and 75 kms from Thekaddy by road, this 1927 Kottayam homestay is pitched on a hillock. The architecture is a mix of early Syrian Christian home architecture with the traditional spacious Keralite style of numerous cross ventilated doors and windows. There’s a swimming pool, built in ancient style with a ‘Kulippura’ (bathing ghat), and you can enjoy the local coconut drink in either the open courtyard or on the verandah.

New Cochin Homestays
Thomas Inn

This beautiful house has a well maintained garden and verandah under the shade of a mango tree. The hosts stay on ground floor and the guests stay on first floor. A separate entrance through stairs take guests to their accommodation, which includes a balcony, communal area and huge kitchen with all amenities.

New Srinagar Homestays
Almond Villa

This colonial era mansion offers a perfect view of famous Dal Lake, surrounded by lush green mountains. There are five spacious double bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Host Viv, an avid traveller, has experience in the Indian wildlife tourism industry and loves to chat about the flora and fauna of this outstanding Indian region.

See more of our unique range of India homestay accommodation and book your stay online through our main site.

A review and photos of the Neela’s dining experience (uncork29.com)

The Cochin Concoction: 8 Ingredients to Bring the Best Out of Kerala’s Capital City

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:07:38 +0000

We want our guests to get an authentic view of India, where the sights, smells, tastes and traditions of our diverse and incredible country are lived rather than observed.

So here we’ve put together a guide to the key ingredients that make up beautiful Cochin. Be sure you include them all in your visit to this remarkable city of islands sat on Kerala’s lush coast.

And take a look at our YouTube channel where, as well as seeing slides of our beautiful Cochin Homestays, you can enjoy videos featuring many of the places flagged below.

1. Water

The city itself is a cluster of islands connected by canals, lakes and lagoons, so Cochin is the ideal place to start a backwater trip. City tours take in the colonial treasures of Fort Cochin and the hubbub of charming Willingdon Island. Longer trips take you on routes to Alleppey and beyond, and into lands of lush tranquillity and laid back river-village life.

2. Mud

Mud rejuvenates the body, opens the skin’s pores and is thought to relieve a variety of ailments, from arthritis to heat burn. Cochin is very big on holistic therapy. There are several spas where you can let your mind drift while your body is embalmed in thick brown clay.

3. Fish

There are two reasons the Chinese fishing nets of Cochin are of such appeal. Fixed permanently to the shore, they represent fishing at its most unusual. Cast out during dawn or a sunset, they are a curiously beautiful sight. The hauls are cooked up within minutes by street vendors. Tuck in.

4. Sand

Cherai Beach, with its calm, clean, shallow sea and supple golden sand, is rightly known as Kerala’s best beach. Stretching north for nine long miles, it’s never a problem to find a quiet spot. At only 20 minutes drive from central Cochin, it’s no surprise that Cherai is the popular choice of the city’s sunseekers.

5. Paint

You can not leave Cochin without experiencing the blaze of colour and intensity that ignites during a Kathakali performance. This historical dance-drama demands so much from its actors that they use martial arts to prepare themselves and spend ten years learning the art. At Fort Cochin’s highly-regarded Kathakali Centre you can watch a show and also take lessons.

6. Spice

Cochin was built on the spice trade. It acted as a port for the Arabs, Chinese, Jews and Romans who sailed to Kerala to sniff out the best of its plantation produce. Everything from pepper, chilli and turmeric, to nutmeg, vanilla and ginger thrives on the hills of ‘God’s Own Country’. And for thousands of years it’s been shipped out of Cochin across the world. Get down to Mattancherry spice market and inhale the powders of Cochin’s history.

7. Rubber
Although Kerala also has an abundance of rubber plantations, you’ll need strong rubber soles on your feet to walk and appreciate the breadth of Cochin’s attractions. With the winding streets of relaxed Fort Cochin to explore, the curios shops and sights of Jew Town to enjoy, and the bustle of downtown Ernakulam to experience, you may want to stop, put your feet up and sup a cold glass of the local Sandpiper beer.

8. Time

The Portuguese of the 15^th century. The Dutch of the 17^th. The British after 1795. Before all of them the Chinese and the Romans. They all left their influence on this cosmopolitan, melting pot of a city – particularly on its architecture. Must-sees include the church of Santa Cruz Basilica and Paradesi Synagogue. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to appreciate the full, exotic flavour of this complex blend. Then you will taste the global infusion of Cochin, ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’.

Mahindra Homestays combine the comfort and distinction of a boutique hotel with the personal hospitality, informality and local knowledge enjoyed when staying with family friends. They offer an insight into the culture, traditions, history and everyday life of an Indian family. What’s more, guests get the chance to enjoy authentic Indian food at its very best – home cooked.

Find out more and book now

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